Why Kids Need Braces
There are several reasons as to why kids might need braces. The most common reasons are for correcting oral issues like overcrowded, overlapping, or crooked teeth.
Kids might also need braces if they have malocclusion, also known as a “bad bite”. This is when the top and bottom jaws are of different sizes. When the bottom jaw is bigger, it’s known as an underbite. When the top job is bigger, it’s referred to as an overbite.
A child might sometimes need braces if they’re experiencing jaw and tooth problems. These problems are usually caused by accidents, losing baby teeth too soon, or thumb sucking.
More often than not, however, the oral issues are inherited. So, if you or someone in your family needed braces, chances are your children also will need them.
At What Age Should My Child Come For A Braces Consultation?
Ages 6-7
We are happy to see kids as soon as they get their first adult teeth. Generally, the first adult teeth to come through are the first molars and incisors at the age of 6 – 7. Sometimes, adult teeth get stuck under the baby teeth and need a little help coming through. If that is the case, contact out team to discuss comfortable treatment options. It’s important to note that taking your kids for a consultation at a young age can help future planning.

At Britannia Dental Care Mississauga, we offer complimentary consultations to help parents plan out their child’s orthodontic journey. During the consultation, some of the things we examine include your child’s teeth alignment, bite, and jaw relation. Our trained dentists will then discuss the current diagnosis and treatment plan options with you.
Ages 7-8
For children with large overbites, crossbites, or underbites, earlier orthodontic treatment can be beneficial to help improve the underlying jaw size problems. Around the age of 7 or 8, this type of early intervention treatment can be started. It may involve a fixed or removable appliance (aka plate) or partial braces.
Ages 9-11
Around the age of 9 – 11 is when the adult canine teeth start to emerge into the mouth. Canines frequently travel off course and end up getting stuck in the roof of the mouth. Early detection of this problem will help us take a conservative approach to encourage the canine to get back on track. This can prevent long, costly, and complex orthodontic treatment for your child in the future.
Ages 11-14
Most routine orthodontic treatment for children will start around the age of 11 – 14 years old. By then, most of the adult teeth are present in the mouth, and children are often in their most motivated and cooperative phase! Treatment often coincides with puberty, which usually occurs in this age range. This allows us to maximize any growth potential of the jaws, and ensure the end results are stable. However, it’s important to remember that each child has a unique growth pattern and maturity rate. Thus, your child’s treatment start date may fall outside of the 11 – 14 year age range, and that is perfectly normal.

Take-Home Message
- The best age to take your children for an orthodontic assessment is when they start to get their first adult teeth (approximately at the age of 6 – 7 years old)
- Thumb-sucking habits past the age of 5 can cause dental complications. Thus, it’s best to see a dentist or orthodontist as soon as possible to avoid complications in the future.
- If you notice your child’s adult canine teeth have not erupted into the mouth by the age of 9-10 years old, then please see a dentist or orthodontist as soon as possible.
- If you’re ever in doubt or curious to know if your child needs braces, then please contact Britannia Dental Care for a free consultation.